A serious, fatal car accident often leads to heartbreak for the family and loved ones who are left behind. Through no fault of their own, but due to the negligence of another, their loved one is gone. Life will never again be the same. In addition to the terrible loss they have suffered, they will be in the midst of lawyers and the legal system for months, sometimes years.
Wrongful Death Situations
Many situations that include an unexpected death can result in a wrongful death settlement legal action. A situation that results in accidental death such as a blow to the head during a fight, or an unsafe car driver, or a property owner who does not provide adequate safety features. For example, a child who drowned in an unfenced pool. Wrongful death settlements can be reached in any accidental death, but it needs to be shown that the death was caused by poor judgment, or insufficient care was involved in the death.
After The Wrongful Death
In the initial aftermath, the family is just numb, and too devastated to know what to do. Time may need to be taken to understand what should be done after the wrongful death of a family member or loved one. Initially, family members are dealing with so many overwhelming priorities they can’t think. Decisions from funeral preparations on how to address financial concerns are an immediate priority.
You may also be suffering from a personal injury as one of the passengers in the car which was involved in the Irvine car wreck. You may have extensive medical bills for the deceased family member, as well as for yourself and other family members. In any fatal car accident, there are police investigations and reports which will be filed. Your insurance company will coordinate some investigations of their own. More than likely, the other driver’s insurance company will conduct an investigation as well.
What To Expect In A Settlement Or Lawsuit
There are several different areas which will be covered in any potential settlement. Payment for medical injuries suffered in the car accident are one of the most common. Legally, the term “medical injuries” is defined as the physical injuries you received as the result of the accident. In addition, you may be able to claim for emotional injuries caused by the loss of your loved one due to the Irvine auto accident. Establishing what to expect in terms of ongoing and future medical care for those injured will be a large part of the wrongful death lawsuit. In addition, the court will need to know about the loss of income due to the untimely death.
It is more than likely that you will also have a claim for mental and or emotional injuries. This would most generally be along the lines of anxiety, apprehension, and possible depression. You may be entitled to compensation for any loss of wages you experienced as well due to the inability to work. In addition, you may also be able to make a claim for other losses from the car accident, such as damage to clothing or personal property such as cell phone, car seats, or any item in your car at the time of the accident.
Wrongful death settlements can be much more complex compared to an injury only car accident. Your attorney will discuss if a case is possible and if so, explain the options which are available. Contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey Dawson for your free consultation about your potential wrongful death lawsuit.